BENSON — In the same church where he received the sacrament of Confirmation two months ago, hundreds of people gathered Friday night to pray that Donny Schroeder lives.

A prayer vigil was held at St. Paul Lutheran Church for the 14-year-old Schroeder, who was listed in serious condition Friday night at the University of Missouri Hospital, and to mourn the deaths of his father, mother and twin brother. Terry Schroeder, 50, Cindy Schroeder, 46, and Dylan Schroeder, 14, were pronounced dead at the scene of a two-vehicle head-on collision Wednesday morning in central Missouri. Donny Schroeder was the lone survivor of the crash.

More than 400 people packed the church’s pews and spilled out into the lobby and the basement to attend the vigil. Led by the Rev. Nathan Feig, prayers were offered and grief shared in remembrance of one of the most recognized families in the town.

“They were very well known and loved beyond belief as you see from the 400 people packed into the church tonight,” Feig said.

The family served at the church often, Feig said, and he told the crowd that twin brothers Donny and Dylan received Confirmation in May in the very same worship space. Their sudden absence has been a shock to the community, a feeling that Feig said the entire town still is managing.

“It’s hard to process,” Feig said. “It just doesn’t happen. So everyone is the same way. We’re just kind of numb. Now we remember who they were and celebrate their life.”

Benson residents weren’t the only ones to make the vigil — many former residents of the town who grew up with Terry and Cindy Schroeder came back Friday night to pray and reminisce.

Leanna Barnard, 46, grew up in Benson as a childhood friend of Cindy Schroeder but has lived in Champaign since 1989. Her recollections were filled with joy and fondness.

“Cindy was wonderful and smiled all the time,” Barnard said. “We had a great childhood together.”

The number of people in attendance didn’t surprise Barnard, who said it contributed to a very powerful atmosphere in the church.

“In a small community, bringing everyone together during a time like this is what it’s all about,” Barnard said.

Note: This story was updated on July 26 to correct the spelling of the name of Donny Schroeder.

Thomas Bruch can be reached at 686-3188 or tbruch@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasBruch.